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hollyanne

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Posts posted by hollyanne

  1. Welcome to our "little clan." I am sorry that you had to find us, but am so glad that you did. We will be here every step of the way. Those kids are gonna make sure you are around for them..inhale their love, embrace their hope and innocence -- it will get you through this (and when it doesn't, we will!)

    With lots of love,

    Holly

  2. It just sucks. I know. My mom quickly went to a wheelchair....and she had just run a half-marathon months before. I am praying for your family tonight...for peace and strength. I am so very sorry you have to see your dad like this. Love him and realize that you will make it through all of this.

  3. Linda took the words out of my mouth -- where is Medicare? My mom's primary insurance was Medicare, she also had secondary -- but the Medicare was absolutely amazing -- in her state it covered everything except for Avastin.

    Keep us posted. I am so sorry you have hit this bump..she has done so well for so long!

  4. Joanie -

    My mom had the exact same reaction with radation on the spine and sacrum.... bad, bad nauseau and tummy issues (never had the problem with any other radiation.)

    She somewhat solved it by taking zofran and/or compazine beforehand -- and coming straight home and getting into bed afterward. She had more naursea from that radiation than from any chemo, etc.

    Hope you are doing better.

    Lots of love,

    Holly

  5. Kim -

    There are many, many drugs to treat chemo side effects. It effects every person differently -- you can definitely expect her to be exhausted as the treatment continues....you will get great advice on this board as you start the journey with chemo. Keeping food and liquids in your mom is important -- not forcing her to eat but looking for ways to stick extra calories in everything -- smoothies, ensure, ice cream all work well. Remember they well taper the chemo to match her weight...

    Thinking of you,

    Holly

  6. Rod -

    I am sorry you had to find us. I can't provide any more input than everyone already has....You are at the beginning of a what is a rough journey...yet you will feel more in control once you have a definitive diagnosis and a game plan even if it is no treatment. Love your dad every day and be thankful for every minute.

    Thinking of you and your family.

    Holly

  7. Tina -

    She is in charge! I am sure she will be at peace with her decision...yet it is hard for caregivers to come along for the ride....you may have many weeks, months ahead of you -- cherish every single one. Those last months were so bittersweet for me -- I had moe special times with my mom than I could ever imagine.

    Love to you.

  8. My thoughts are with you. I know how tough this -- all you can do is spend time together, honor your dad's wishes and pary for peace of mind and strength (which we all do for you!) I am so sorry you all are going through this...remember, each day as it comes, you will have strength to deal with each day as it comes....

    Love to you all.

  9. Laura -

    I get it. I thought my family and I were untouchable. We had never really ever had anything challenging happen to us -- no sickness, no deaths, no divorce, no addictions -- and then my mom, the seemingly healthiest woman in the workd is diagnosed and died in five months. I know am frightful when my husband flies internationally. I worry when I go to the doctor for anything. It has all become very real that bad things can happen that just don't make sense...I feel like I have lost contol. I can say that I have gotten better at logically telling myself not to worry...but I do think it is part of the process.

    hang in there,

    Holly

  10. Jenn -

    It just sucks all the way around. I understand how physically and emotionally exhausting it is. I can only speak from my experience -- I was five months pregnant with my first baby when my mom was diagnosed. Moving to be with her, caring for her/lifting her even the day before I had Caroline, staying up nights when I was exhausted because she was in pain, etc -- was ALL worth it. Somehow you will find the energy, you just will...not to say it isn't o.k. to take a mental health day too!

    I know that I did everything within my power to help my mom and dad (still helping my dad to this day.) You will forever be grateful that you supported your parents through this time, and Jenn you will get back to a somewhat normal life at some time...although it will never be the same, you will get control again.

    You are a fantastic daughter, a great mother and an absolute blessing for your dad.... it won't be like this forever.

    Thinking of you during ths stressful time. Unfortunately, I remember it too well, and my heart breaks for you....but as you know, you are doing the right thing.

    Love,

    Holly

  11. Amy -

    There is active dying process that many of us have watched our loved ones go through -- there are many common steps -- yet it sounds like you are not "there." I agree with everyone else, get an advocate involved -- whether it is you or your husband or whomever -- make sure you have complete information.

    I am sorry that you have to go through this, and am so sorry for the pain that it causes your whole family. We are here for you.

    Holly

  12. Jenny -

    Once you get another plan in place, all of you can focus on beating the crap out of this beast. You have gotten great advice here -- so I will just say Welcome. There are so many daughters on this site -- fighting they battle with their mom or dad, or dealing with the incredible loss of a parent. We undestand. We really, really do.

    Love,

    Holly

  13. Mary -

    You will get that pain taken care of and I think your outlook on everything will change! I have had some pain in my life -- nothing like bone met pain -- yet I know the incredible relief that comes when you are pain-free.

    Thinking of you and praying that the radiation works quickly.

    Holly

  14. Cindy -

    I am praying that your dad's passing is peaceful and reassuring for you. I was with my mom when she died, as difficult as it was, it was very powerful..and I KNOW that God was with us when she left this planet.

    Prayers for peace and strength in the coming days.

    Holly

  15. I am so sorry you are going through this..again. Do you know what the stage is? Of course, you have to respect her wishes, yet I just hope she is making decisions with full information. As Maryanne said, she may be not nearly as far as long as your dad.

    Holding you in my prayers tonight,

    Holly

  16. Jorja -

    Four weeks is such a short period of time -- I lost my mom almost six months ago. I don't miss her any less, I have just come to accept it more. I don' think I will ever be the same person. I try not to dwell on things like "my mom missed this, or I wish she were here to do such and such." Rather I focus on the amazing 38 years I had with her, and how blessed I was.

    You will not be alone at your wedding....he'll be there.

    Time will ease your pain, it really, really will.

    Love,

    Holly

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